Out of 53 area communities, Milford ranks third in the number of domestic violence victims.

Now, to serve those victims, New Hope has opened an office on Main Street that will provide counseling, a community-based advocate and other services.

New Hope, a 34-year-old non-profit, has been serving Milford as one of its 53 communities, but only out of offices in Worcester, Taunton and Attleboro.

“After seeing such a high need in Milford, we really saw a need for a physical office here,” said Laura Hennessey Martens, New Hope's vice president of public relations, marketing and development. "We feel good that the need is being better met."

A ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Milford Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday marked the official opening of New Hope at 291 Main St., though the office began its work in August.

While the office is only a few rooms, it provides a space for counselors to meet with victims of domestic violence to help finding housing, jobs and other support, Martens said.

Those victims deemed at high-risk are sent to one of New Hope’s two emergency shelters, the locations of which are kept secret. Each shelters houses six families at a time with average stays estimated to last 60 to 90 days.

“We’ve definitely seen an escalation over the past few years,” said Martens.

The poor economy and unemployment worsen batterers' personalities, she said. The lack of money, housing and jobs makes it hard for victims trying to leave abusive relationships, she said.

The court advocate already located at Milford District Court, who helps victims obtain restraining orders, will now be able to take clients to the office for follow-up services.

Local elected officials at the ribbon cutting, which included state Sen. Richard Moore, D-Uxbridge, state Rep. John Fernandes, D-Milford, and state Rep. Carolyn Dykema, D-Holliston, were happy to see the office set up shop here.

“I’m glad we have a group here that cares and are trained to help when people need it,” Moore said. “The more people that know about this place the better.”

Contact Lindsay Corcoran at 508-634-7582 or lcorcoran@wickedlocal.com. Follow her on Twitter @LacorcMDN.